From 14 May support persons who have users at Sogndal helse- og omsorgssenter, Leikanger sjukeheim, helsetunet in Balestrand and Bu- og miljøtenesta, can now meet outside.

We ask that the support persons get in direct contact with the section where the user lives, so that they can prepare and meet the support person outside.

From 14 May support persons are also allowed to enter private homes. It is vital that the national guidelines are followed. This means washing your hands, keeping your distance (at least 1 meter, preferably 2 meters), etc. The support person must be well, and must not come to meet their user if they are feeling ill in any way.

The nursing homes in the municipality of Sogndal are now gradually reopening so residents and close relatives can see each other again.
Updated guidelines have been prepared for visits to nursing homes, and care centers with around the clock care (Prestahagen).

If you wish to visit it is important that both resident and visitors understand and follow these guidelines:

You have to schedule your visit in advance. Contact the section directly.

The visit can last for a maximum of ten minutes.

Only two close relatives can visit at a time.

Keep a minimum of 1 meter distance, preferably 2 meters.

We are very sorry, but you cannot bring flowers, gifts, food, drinks etc. to the visit. Pets are not allowed.

An employee will follow the resident to an agreed upon room and stay close during the visit.

During the visit you cannot interact or socialize with other residents or employees.

It is very important that you follow the basic guidelines to prevent spreading the virus, especially good hand hygiene.

Please note:

Visitors cannot have symptoms of acute lung infection or been in close contact with people who have confirmed covid-19.

Visitors cannot have been outside Norway in the last 10 days.

An employee will ask you to sign a declaration before the visit.

It is up to the institution to decide which of the residents that can see visitors. This depends on the level of function of the resident, and if he/she can follow the guidelines.
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These guidelines have been put in place to protect vulnerable patients and residents against potentially life threatening illness. Thank you for following them.

From Monday 27 April, schools will open for grade 1-4 and SFO. The schools will do what they can for the transition back as smooth as possible even though things are not quite back to normal yet. The national government are clear on the fact that it is safe for children to return to school. The schools will follow the national guidelines provided to prevent spreading the virus. To make sure we do this in a correct manner it is important to establish good protocols before we start. There is three guidelines the schools will follow:

Adults and children who are ill are not to attend school

Good hygiene

Reduced contact between people

Opening:

Schools will open 04.27.20

School opening hours will be as normal, but SFO will be open from 08.00-15.30.

In cases where parents, guardians etc. have critical functions, the school will be in direct contact with them.

The recommendation is to have the same people in groups of 15 and we will do what we can to meet this recommendation.

The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training have translated information in different languages.

From Monday 20 April all kindergartens in the municipality of Sogndal will be opened.

To ensure safe operations and to comply with guidelines about infection control, the kindergartens will be open for 7 hours the first week.
Opening hours will primarily from 08.00-15.00, but the kindergartens have to opportunity to make local adjustments. Opening hours will not exceed 7 hours regardless of local adjustments.

From 20 April physiotherapy and occupational therapy will gradually re-open for individual appointments, this includes private practitioners. We will follow the infection control guidelines provided by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and both patient and therapist must be in good health to participate.

We will contact those who has had their appointments cancelled and others on the waiting list. Emergency cases will as always be prioritized. In addition we will also offer consultations via video to those who need it.

It is important that you show up on time to avoid unnecessary gathering of people in the waiting room. Please call, text or email us if you want to book an appointment or if you have questions.

Smittestopp is an app that will help the health authorities to limit the transmission of coronavirus. Anonymised data about movement patterns in society from the app are used to develop effective infection control measures.

SIMAS has been closed since 16 March but will open again 14 April. Many have spent the Easter holidays cleaning their homes and now they want to get rid of it, says Hallvard Thomassen. Now that we are open again we will help everyone discard and recycle their waste in the correct manner.

The usual opening hours will apply. There will be an increased focus on preventing further spreading of the coronavirus. Therefore there will be restrictions on how many cars there can be inside the facility at once. In addition we ask that people remain in their vehicles while they await their turn, and that they pay via Vipps, says Thomassen. We also ask that people who are delivering waste are well prepared and have sorted their waste before they arrive, so they spend as little time as possible at the recycling station. Employees will keep their distance and only guide if there is a need for it.

Kindergartens and schools have been closed since 13 March. The government has now concluded that kindergartens will open within the timeframe 20 – 27 April. Grades 1-4 will open from 27 April, on the prerequisite that this can be accomplished in a safe manner.

Sogndal municipality will consider whether it is safe to open kindergartens from 20 April, or if this must be further postponed. This will decide by Thursday 16 April at the latest.

The government emphasises that this should be done in as safe and secure a manner as possible. Therefore, they have established an expert group to develop guidelines for infection control for kindergartens and schools. For kindergartens, these guidelines will be ready by 16 April and for schools by 20 April. Sogndal municipality will follow these guidelines.

We will use the time before opening kindergartens and schools, to plan and prepare routines for infection control and ensure that employees are given proper training in these. The routines will address matters of general infection control, distance, hand wash and cleaning.

Compulsory school attendance

The Norwegian Education Act states that it is compulsory to attend school. Some exceptions will be given to children in high-risk groups, or children living with family within high-risk groups. For other groups the compulsory school attendance applies. We will ensure that kindergartens and schools are run in the safest possible manner.

Those pupils who cannot return to school on 27 April will still receive education via digital platforms.

Further information

We will give further and more detailed information to parents and employees after Easter.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health has implemented comprehensive measures to limit the transmission of the coronavirus and to contribute to the maintenance of necessary health and care services. On 7 April the Norwegian government concluded on continuing all measures to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus. From 20 April, some of the measures will be eased.

The measures implemented have had a good effect. This means that the government has decided that kindergartens, SFO and grades 1-4 in primary school may open in late April. In addition, companies with one-on-one contact can stay open if they follow the requirements for infection control measures. The cabin ban will be repealed from April 20.

It is crucial that the population continues to follow the advice of the health authorities after April 20 to keep their distance and wash their hands. We have now together gained control of the virus, which is why we can open up the community gradually.

Keep your distance and maintain a good hand hygiene

It is important that everyone still follows the basic tips for infection control, and maintain good distance from others and wash their hands regularly.
When we are together, we should not be more than five people in total, and we should keep a distance of at least 2 meters between us. The distance applies both within the group and to other persons. This does not apply to people who live together.

In locations where it is difficult to keep 2 meters away from others, you should have at least 1 meter distance. This applies to stores that must be open like shops and pharmacies.
The reason for these recommendations is that the risk of infection increases with the time you are together and the smaller the distance is between people.

Changes to closure and prohibition

Changes from 20 April 2020

Reopening of kindergartens

From April 20, kindergartens will open.

The prerequisite is that this can be done in a contagion-safe way. It should be safe to send the children to the kindergarten, and it must be safe for the staff in the kindergartens to go to work.

Guidelines will be made and training will be provided so that kindergarten owners and employees receive clear and concrete advice on how to deal with contagion in a safe manner. The guidelines are expected to be ready 16 April.

Experiences from China and other countries suggests that children are not an important group for the spread of the coronavirus. This does not mean that they cannot transmit infection to others but that few children has been infected by the coronavirus and that they have had little significance for further infection. In Sweden, where kindergartens have been open, outbreaks of symptomatic disease have not been detected in these groups.

The reopening of other businesses

Businesses where health professionals such as dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists and others have one-on-one contact can, from 20 April, meet patients face-to-face, provided that an industry standard for infection control is in place and followed. Industry standards will be developed in consultation with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the industry.

Repeal of the cabin ban

From 20 April it will not be punishable by law to stay overnight at your cabin or lodge.

The advice to avoid any unnecessary leisure trips remains. This advice is valid for the time being.

Changes from 27 April 2020

Partial reopening of schools

From 27 April grades 1-4 in primary school and SFO and parts of upper secondary will open for pupils. This applies to pupils in VG3 who are following a vocational program and vocational program pupils in VG2.

The prerequisite is that this can be done in a contagion-safe way. It should be safe to send children and young people to school, and it must be safe for school staff to go to work.

Guidelines and a competency program will be created so that school owners and staff receive clear, concrete advice on how to behave. There will be exceptions for children in the risk groups and for children living with family members in the risk groups, to minimize the risk of serious illness. These will continue to receive distance education.

The goal is for all pupils to return to school before the summer holidays. Based on the advice of the health authorities, a plan will be made for when the different classes can start teaching. It will be announced well in advance of the opening so that schools can prepare.

Universities and colleges

From 27 April, universities, colleges and vocational schools will open for some students and staff. Students and staff in recruitment positions who are in the final stages of their studies and projects, and who are dependent on equipment at the educational institution, may return to universities, colleges and vocational schools.

They must follow the same rules of distance as in the working place, and work from home whenever possible.

The reopening of other businesses

From 27 April, businesses where there is one-to-one contact, such as a hairdresser, skincare and massage, can stay open if requirements for infection control measures are followed.

Before reopening requirements will be developed in collaboration between the industry and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Once the industry standard is ready, these businesses can open. If this requires protective equipment, it must be of a standard that is safe but does not exceed the needs of the health service.

Other changes

Culture and sporting events

The ban on cultural and sporting events that cannot meet the requirement of a 2 meter distance will apply until 15 June 2020. By May 1, the government will decide on major events this summer.

Sports activities can be carried out when the Directorate of Health's distance and group recommendations are followed.

Health services

The government will continue to build capacity in the health service to handle a large number of patients - especially patients in need of intensive care.

The health service should not only provide treatment for those who become ill as a result of the coronavirus. People who have cancer, chronic disorders or are exposed to accidents should also receive the treatment they need.

Hospitals can now plan for more normal operation and more planned treatment where possible. Municipalities can also begin work to restore more normal activity in the health care services.

Alternative accomodation

The municipalities are required to ensure that those who are in quarantine or isolation have an offer of alternative accommodation if living conditions or family situations make isolation difficult at home. It may be a hotel or other place designated by the municipality.

Other measuers

Parents and guardians who cross national borders to have contact with minor children should not be quarantined in the usual way. This will be implemented quickly.

The hospitals must prepare for normal operation after Easter.

The Directorate of Health will work with the county officials to ensure that the municipalities restore normal activity in the health and care service.

Municipalities have an increased responsibility to care for vulnerable children.

Prohibition of travel abroad for health professionals working in patient care

The Directorate of Health has decided that health professionals who work with patient care are prohibited from going abroad. The ban applies to both business travel and private travel. Costs will be compensated.

The decision is valid from 12 March at. 18:00 and currently April 2020.

Health professionals who wish to participate in humanitarian relief work may be granted exemptions from the exit ban on health personnel. An application for an exemption is sent to the Directorate of Health who can grant an exemption.

Travel

Domestic

Avoid any travel that is not strictly necessary, avoid public transport if you can, and avoid places where you can easily get close to others.

On 20 March, the government imposed a ban on overnight accommodation outside its own municipality. This will end on 20 April. The advice to avoid unnecessary leisure travel is still valid. Read more about the cabin ban on the government's website.

Exceptions are granted for persons living with a family member who is in isolation with a detected coronavirus. People who are in quarantine because they live with someone who is confirmed to be infected can thus spend the night in the cabin during the period when the infected person is in isolation at home. The infected person must stay at home, while the other persons in the household can stay overnight at the cabin.

International

All foreign trips that are not strictly necessary are not advised. There are rules for quarantine for anyone who comes from traveling abroad.

Public transport and work at home

The health authorities recommend a home office if possible, and this is clarified with the employer.

The public transport offer is maintained. The reason for this is that people with critical social functions should get to and from work and be able to distance themselves from each other.

Access control in health institutions

The Directorate of Health requests not to visit persons in institutions with vulnerable groups (the elderly, psychiatry, prison etc.).

Restrictions have been introduced for visitors to all of the country's health institutions and the introduction of access control to safeguard infection control for patients in the country's health institutions. Persons at risk of being infected must be rejected from all the country's health institutions. The Directorate of Health has advised the health service on this.

Learning to reveal fake news is an effective way to avoid being tricked, or to be at risk of tricking others. This is especially important in the crisis we are facing now.

What are fake news?
A fake news is a news-like thing that appears to be real, but are wholly or partially based on lies or has omitted important information to leave a simple impression.
The purpose may be to influence your opinions, create confusion and unrest in the population or to make money.

Why are fake news so dangerous?
Norway is a country with a high level of trust. We trust each other, and there is trust between the citizens and the government. This trust is a strength in a crisis situation, but it can also be exploited by those who have a personal interest in spreading misinformation.
At worst, fake news can reinforce an ongoing crisis and lead to you acting against important safety guidelines without even wanting to do so.
An example of such a fake news can be the encouragement to hoard food or other types of products.
The most severe consequence of fake news over time is that the trust in the government, media and science, gets weakened.

Tips to recognize fake newsDoes the story seem credible?
Be sceptical of catchy or sensational headlines. It`s like the old saying, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Who is behind it?
If you have doubts, check the source behind the news story. Both who has written it and what the web address is. Fake news often has a web address that looks like a known news outlet, but it`s not identical.

Can you find the story elsewhere?
Real news travels fast. Check multiple media outlets to see if you can find the story elsewhere. An eye catching story that you can`t find anywhere else gives good cause to be sceptical.

Do you get angry from reading the story?
Be extra cautious of news that evokes strong feelings. Most fake news is designed to make you react, preferably fast so you share or comment on the story.

Do you believe in images?
Pictures also lie. Fake news stories often use images from other news stories and web sites, or images that have been manipulated. Do a picture search online to find out more about where the photo originated.

Who are their sources?
Fake news often use subtle twists like “many experts agree on” or with references to “research” without explaining in detail.

Learn more
To learn more visit Medietilsynet.no. At Regjeringen.no you will find important information from the government and the departments about measures and advice to the population regarding the coronavirus.

The coronavirus and new national guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus has led to people spending more time at home. To keep the need for the fire department to respond to fire alarms as low as possible, we are encouraging everyone to take a look at what they can do to prevent fires.

It might be a while since you checked your fire extinguisher, tested your in-house fire detection systems, looked at how you can escape a fire in your house by using different exits or talked to your family about what each one of you should do in case of a fire? This is an excellent opportunity to raise these questions and to do a fire drill. This could also be a good talking point when talking to other members of your family that you don’t live with, like grandparents living alone.

By the way, did you now that many small children and some young adults don’t wake up when the fire alarm goes off when they are sleeping? Or that it might be a good idea to agree on a meeting point outside your house if it becomes necessary to escape the house because of a fire? Maybe you have heard that different kinds of fire extinguishers have a limited service life, or that powder extinguishers must be turned upside down a couple times every year? Do you have control over your electricity and electrical appliances?

You can find many good tips on www.sikkerhverdag.no/en/, these are not only related to fires but also other safety tips related to your home.

The libraries in the municipality of Sogndal are closed due to the coronavirus. They would still like to offer you the opportunity to borrow books before Easter. You decide which books you want to borrow, they pick them from the shelves, and then you pick them up by the door.

Sogndal library - kulturhuset

Order books through Bibliofil. Please check if the books are physically available at the local library, we cannot order books from other locations for the time being.

You will get a notification when the books are ready. The books must be reserved at the latest the day before you want to pick them up.

Before Easter you can pick up the books on Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday.

Leikanger library:

The library in Leikanger unfortunately cannot offer this service for the time being. You are more than welcome to order books from the library in Sogndal or Balestrand, and pick up books there. If you have a library card in Leikanger this will also be valid in the other local libraries.

Balestrand library:

Send an email to balestrandbib@sogndal.kommune with information about which books you would like to borrow. You can pick up books Thursday and Monday before Easter.

This arrangement will be upheld as long as the libraries have available staff. The arrangement will be evaluated after Easter.

Note: We will not accept books you have borrowed at this time, keep them at home until further notice. You will not be charged a fee for being overdue with returning books. These measures have been initiated in consultation with the municipal infection control physician.

Even though the coronavirus has given us a changed reality we're trying to keep daily operations running in the best way possible

The coronavirus has changed our everyday life, this also apply for the employees in the municipality. Restrictions to prevent spreading the virus forces us to find new ways to work together. In a surprisingly short time the employees has shown an amazing adaptability to this new situation.

For those who can't work from home but have to be physically at work to their job now work fewer together, making sure to keep distance and have an increased focus on hygiene.

Handling the health services has top priority, but we're also focused on the fact that other services delivered by us need to be working as well as possible. One example being matters related to planning and building which are important to both individuals and commercial businesses. Here we have established digital solutions that will make the service function close to normal. Employees can access relevant systems from home and have necessary meetings using digital platforms.

A common denominator to make this work as seamless as possible is digital solutions. We can also see it in the schools where all the pupils now have digital lessons under the guidance of a teacher. Many of the ways we work now we`ll also take with us after the coronavirus.

Until then we will try to make the wheels turn as well as we can. The way the employees have handled this situation so far gives us hope that by coming together and joining forces we will deliver good services!

The local branches of the Red Cross in Norway do a variety of things, they visit people in retirement homes, they take the elderly for walks, they organize bingo and choir, and if you're lost in the mountain or taken by an avalanche they come and find you.

Now they are doing their part to combat loneliness in these trying times by offering a phone buddy service. This effort is the local Red Cross`s contribution to the national «dugnad».

- This is a service to those who are now sitting at home alone and the Red Cross has a goal that no one should sit at home and feel lonely. Loneliness can be a great challenge in times when we're not allowed to visit one another or have physical contact, says local Red Cross contact person Knut Henning Grepstad.

With the risk of infecting others and many people in quarantine and isolation, the local Red Cross have suspended their traditional way of connecting with people like bingo, walks, choir etc.

- We're especially thinking about those who are experiencing loneliness and might be lacking in the usual contact with friends and relatives. Phones doesn't transmit viruses only good thoughts, he adds.

March 13 the kindergartens and schools all over Norway closed. We suspect this may have been sudden transition for both grownups and children, as this has changed everyday life for many of us.

It`s demanding times for all of us and the goal is to solve the challenges together. Kindergartens and schools still have a responsibility regarding the learning and welfare of the kids even though we no longer see them in the physical classrooms.

To keep a good relationship between kindergarten/school and the home, teachers will keep in regular contact. Every home of kids in kindergarten and pupils in grade 1-5 will be contacted by a teacher they know while the kindergartens and schools are closed. For pupils in grade 6-10 teachers will primarily be in direct contact with the pupil. However, they will also be available for parents/guardians if they want.

The purpose of this is to be accessible, further more to give advice, guide and support both the children and the adults during this time. We hope that this will be a positive effort and that you use this opportunity to ask questions about things that concern you.

The Norwegian government on Tuesday March 24 decided to extend all precautions to curb the corona virus pandemics. The same rules and regulations will apply for the municipality of Sogndal. The precautions will be extended until and including April 13.

Schools, kindergartens and SFOs remain closed for ordinary activities until April 13. Primary school pupils and children in kindergartens, where both parents carry out socially critical work, will be taken care of in schools and kindergartens. This also applies to children of single parents in socially critical occupations. Children and young people with special care needs, vulnerable children and those protected under the Child Welfare Act, will continue to have an offer in kindergarten, SFO or schools up to and including grade 10.

The previously decided measures to cancel cultural events, restrictions on nightlife and restaurants and ship calls will still apply.

All previous precautions related to hygiene, distance, coughing/sneezing etc. will apply up to and including April 13.

In other words, all precautions and control measures so far implemented, will be prolonged and enforced until after Easter.

We have established a local call center where you can call or email us about questions related to the corona virus. The phone is serviced by health care personnel and they are ready to give you advice and information.

If you are feeling ill and in need of medical assistance call your GP or A&E at 116 117

How to care for your mental and psychosocial health during the corona pandemic

Here are some tips and advice on how to cope with stressful or difficult situations during the corona pandemic.

Mental Health

Maintain/expand your network and social ties

Connecting with others is good for you. With a situation of quarantine and layoffs, it is important to keep in touch with your social contacts. If you are missing a social network, try establish ties to other people, through social media groups, for instance.

Be active

An active life is good for us all, but for the time being it might be difficult to be active in the same way as before. Be creative, go for a walk or run, check out workout videos and apps, or just take it easy if that`s what you want to do.

Be aware...

...of your own feelings and thoughts. This may be of help both now and during more ordinary daily situations. You should pay attention to what you feel and think.

You may also be aware of how the media reporting affects you. It is natural to feel the turmoil and fear of what is going on now, and to worry about the future. If you worry a lot, it can turn into a bad situation. One suggestion is to spend a little time each day worrying. For example, try to postpone your worries until 5 pm. At 5 pm, you worry for 30 minutes. If you have concerns after 17.30, then postpone these worries to the next day at 5 pm.

Keep learning

Learning new things brings joy and pride. There are a lot of opportunities to learn new things, such as a reading books and watching do-it-yourself videos on Youtube.

Give to others

Join up with the national “dugnad”, a Norwegian word meaning voluntary work or co-creation which includes everybody. In the current situation you can easily join the “dugnad” in two important ways:

Prevent or postpone catching the virus and prevent or postpone transmitting it to others.

The World Health organisation (WHO) has issued information on mental and psychosocial health related to the coronavirus outbreak.

Stressed relationships, alcohol or drug addiction, violence

Balancing family and working life when schools, kindergartens and workplaces are closed can be hard. For families in vulnerable situations, due to mental or physical illness, alcohol / drug problems or high level of conflict, the situation can be particularly difficult. We know that in stressful and uncertain times, frustration and anger can build up.

In case of emergency assistance contact the police, emergency room or your GP.

If you experience high levels of conflict, violence or alcohol / drug problems in the family, please contact emergency services.

For tips and advice in connection with the corona pandemic, see the Norwegian Centre for violence and traumatic stress studies.